[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 25, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1088-E1089]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING DR. PHILIP A. GARY FOR HIS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO 
                           UKIAH HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 25, 2005

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. 
Philip A. Gary who is retiring in June 2005 after 19 years as principal 
of Ukiah High School in Ukiah, California and nearly 40 years in 
education.
  Dr. Gary is widely recognized for his dedication to staff, students, 
parents, community and profession. He has received numerous awards, 
recognitions and recommendations from students and parents, including 
Mendocino County's High School Principal Administrator of the Year and 
California Schoolmasters' Mendocino County Educator of the Year for 
exemplary commitment to children and leadership in an educational 
profession.
  Dr. Gary brought creative problem solving to many sections of the 
school curriculum. Under his guidance the state recognized vocational 
education classes, which developed between industry ties and local 
businesses for student job placement. Large numbers of Advanced 
Placement classes were added; a widely lauded Mathematics Engineering 
Science Achievement (MESA) program increased the

[[Page E1089]]

number of college-bound Hispanic students; a Native American counselor 
and out-reach program were initiated; at-risk student classes and 
support systems were added and increased; special education student 
programs were enhanced; gang forum, drug and alcohol prevention 
programs were instigated; and monies needed to keep athletic, fine arts 
and performing arts were raised.
  Dr. Gary also encouraged programs to support gender equity, as well 
as ethnic and cultural diversity. And he encouraged professional 
development and personal creativity among staff members, maintaining 
the highest standards for the faculty, students and himself.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, Dr. Gary gained the admiration and 
respect of all and represents everything that is positive in our public 
education system. For these reasons and countless others, it is most 
appropriate that we honor his commitment and service to perhaps our 
nation's most important resource--educating our youth.

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